a moderate setback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moderate setback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a temporary hindrance or obstacle that is not overly severe. Example: "The project faced a moderate setback due to unexpected delays in shipping materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pujols had a moderate setback in 2011, as he batted under.300 for the first time in his career (.299), with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps moderate setbacks in the outcomes US diplomacy efforts could also be foreseen".

Vice

But despite those (moderate) setbacks, women had some pretty stand-out moments during the night.

Huffington Post

A moderate conservative.

The Economist

PROFANITY -- A moderate amount.

The New York Times

"A moderate car".

The New York Times

He was essentially a moderate.

The New Yorker

He was a moderate Democrat.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hollande is a moderate.

The New York Times

There was a moderate hydrocephalus.

Plosone

Maintain a moderate temperature.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moderate setback" when you want to downplay the severity of an issue or problem, suggesting it's not critical or long-lasting. For example, "The project experienced a moderate setback due to a supplier delay, but we are back on track."

Common error

Avoid using "a moderate setback" when the situation is genuinely serious or has long-term consequences. This can minimize the actual impact of the issue and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moderate setback" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb, describing an event or situation that temporarily hinders progress. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moderate setback" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor, temporary obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts such as encyclopedias, news, and wikis. When using the phrase, ensure the situation genuinely reflects a mild issue to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a slight hitch" or "a minor delay" offer similar nuanced expressions. Remember, context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight hitch

Focuses on a minor and temporary problem.

a minor delay

Emphasizes a small postponement in progress.

a small obstacle

Highlights a manageable impediment.

a temporary difficulty

Stresses the transient nature of the problem.

a limited challenge

Suggests a problem that is not overwhelming.

a mild hiccup

Implies a brief and insignificant disruption.

a short-term issue

Highlights the problem's limited duration.

a manageable problem

Emphasizes the ease with which the issue can be resolved.

a minor inconvenience

Focuses on the troublesome but not serious nature of the issue.

a passing snag

Indicates a brief and easily overcome difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a moderate setback" in a sentence?

You can use "a moderate setback" to describe a temporary and not-too-serious obstacle. For example: "The company faced "a moderate setback" due to the recent economic downturn, but expects to recover quickly."

What are some alternatives to saying "a moderate setback"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a minor delay", "a slight hitch", or "a small obstacle", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a moderate setback" in formal writing?

Yes, "a moderate setback" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to describe a problem that isn't critical. It strikes a balance between acknowledging an issue and not exaggerating its importance.

What's the difference between "a moderate setback" and "a major setback"?

"A moderate setback" implies a temporary and easily manageable problem, while "a major setback" indicates a serious issue that could significantly impact progress or outcomes.